The High Court has ruled that Entain’s copyright infringement allegations against the businesses behind matched betting services OddsMonkey and Outplayed should be struck out unless the operator promptly files amended pleadings addressing deficiencies identified by the court.
Entain Operations, LC International, Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming and 365 Scores UK brought proceedings against Liquidity Trading, Liquidity PA and Samuel Stoffel.
The dispute concerns the defendants’ use of Entain-owned betting and gaming brands across matched betting and casino offer websites.
Entain alleges that logos associated with brands including Ladbrokes, Coral, bwin, Sportingbet, Gala and Foxy were used when directing customers towards promotional offers on its websites. Its case includes separate allegations of trade mark infringement covering around 18 registered marks.
Matched betting involves using bookmaker promotions alongside opposing bets, commonly placed through betting exchanges, to reduce exposure to the outcome of a sporting event.
The High Court described how users can place qualifying bets to obtain free bets before using further transactions to convert part of the promotional value into cash.
Mr Justice Cawson found that Entain’s copyright pleadings did not provide sufficient facts to establish a complete cause of action or adequately explain the case the defendants were required to answer. However, the judge said the strike-out could be conditional on Entain failing to submit compliant amendments within a prescribed period.
The judgment does not dispose of Entain’s trademark allegations. Liquidity Trading and the other defendants have denied infringement, arguing that their use of the brands is referential and directs customers to Entain’s services.
The court also declined most of Entain’s application to strike out portions of the defendants’ Defence and Counterclaim.
The proceedings began in 2025, when Entain filed an intellectual property claim against Liquidity Trading and Liquidity PA. The two Gibraltar-based businesses operate matched betting services including OddsMonkey and Outplayed, which had combined following a 2024 merger.
The dispute comes as Entain continues to expand its UK online business. Its UK and Ireland NGR increased 8% year-on-year during the first half of 2026, while Group NGR reached £2.55bn ($3.47bn). Group adjusted EBITDA was £479m and the operator recorded an £11.4m loss after tax.
Entain has also taken a more public position on standards within the UK gambling market. In July, it backed a Government consultation proposing a ban on sports sponsorship and advertising arrangements involving operators not licensed by the Gambling Commission, calling for sports organisations to act before legislation takes effect.
The High Court said the defendants accepted that Entain’s trade mark claims were sufficiently pleaded and raised issues with a real prospect of success
